Cordless orbital wax applicator/buffer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to cordless wax applicator/buffer that comprises an electric orbital wax applicator/buffer, which has a rotatable, eccentrically moving head for buffing external surfaces and a casing housing an electric motor for turning the rotatable head. The cordless wax applicator/buffer also comprises a battery compartment on the top of the casing for housing for a rechargeable battery source of power. A rim means extends outwardly from the casing for gripping the cordless wax applicator/buffer to operate it and comprises a rounded finger engaging outer edge and a recessed palm receiving inner portion. The cordless wax applicator/buffer further comprises a plug receptacle for receiving a plug means connectable to an electric power source for recharging the rechargeable battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is generally directed to portable polishingmachines and systems and, more particularly, is directed to a cordlessorbital polisher which is useful for removing oxides and old wax frompainted surfaces, such as automobiles, and the wax buffing of suchsurfaces.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] In general, these are two types of polishing machines, orbuffers, in popular use—the rotating buffer and the orbital buffer. Asthe names imply, the rotating buffer utilizes a buffing pad coaxiallydriven by a motor while the orbital buffer utilizes a buffing pad drivenin an elliptical pattern. Orbital buffers are preferred to rotarybuffers because they do not leave undesirable arcuate-type marks on thebuffed surface, as do rotary buffers.

[0005] Electrical appliances, especially wax applicator/buffers, presenta problem due to the electric cord that powers them. First of all thecord, or the cord plus extension cord, has to reach from the electricaloutlet to the location of the job. In performing the buffing, especiallyon a large and variously shaped item such as a vehicle, the cord oftengets in the way of the job and can ruin the buffing job if the cord rubsover the buffed surface, especially if the cord has been in the dirt ormud.

[0006] The prior art does not provide for a cordless orbital waxapplicator/buffer with a self-contained battery for ease of use inbuffing.

[0007] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,587, issued Sep. 18, 2001 toMcCracken, provides a power waxer that includes structure forelectrically connecting a power cord thereto while minimizing instancesof accidental disconnection therebetween. The structure being located soas to substantially remove the power cord as an impediment to theoperation and ability to exert proper control over the waxer duringoperation thereof. Also, there is provided structure for controllingtorque output of a motor of a power waxer to selectively change thetorque output for different stages of the waxing process.

[0008] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,594, issued May 10, 1994 toThompson, shows a new and improved buffing appliance that comprises ahousing, a buffing wheel supported for rotation on the housing, animpeller inside the housing for causing rotation of the buffing wheel, afluid source coupled to the housing for driving the impeller, a deliveryconduit for supplying a surface treating substance (e.g., polishing wax)to the buffing wheel coaxially through the impeller, and separatecontrols on the housing for controlling rotation of the impeller anddelivery of the surface treating compound through the delivery conduit.In an alternative embodiment, the surface treating compound is stored ina liquid form in a canister mounted directly on the housing andincluding a self-contained pressurizing device for effecting delivery ofthe compound through the delivery conduit.

[0009] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,158,246, issued Jun. 19, 1979 toMeadows, claims a hand-held, portable, cordless scrubber thatincorporates counter-rotating, scrubbing brushes detachably mounted oncounter-rotating, concentric shafts. The scrubber housing is designed toprevent the entry of moisture and provides a pocket with a detachablecover for receiving a battery pack which can be recharged by directplugging into an ordinary AC household receptacle. Both finger-actuated,handle-mounted switch and brush pressure actuated switch arrangementsare provided. Snap on pads, and the like, may also be employed.

[0010] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,102, issued Jun. 13, 1995 toMadison, describes a portable hand held cleaning device that is adaptedto receive various cleaning implements, such as bristle brushes,abrasive wheels, chisels, and the like, into a tool engaging member. Thetool engaging member is preferably operable by a rechargeable battery toselectively rotate and/or reciprocate at varying speeds. Therechargeable battery is included in a housing. The tool engaging memberis preferably displaceable to improve the efficiency of the cleaningdevice in hard to reach areas. The housing may further include plumbingand a pump for delivering fluid from a cleansing fluid container to adischarge proximate the cleaning tool engaging member.

[0011] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,634, issued Sep. 9, 1997 toMcCracken, discloses a power tool that includes a housing that has afirst longitudinal axis extending therein. An output shaft is mounted inthe housing along the longitudinal axis operably connected to theworking element. A motor in the housing is provided for driving theoutput shaft. A transmission system has cooperating portions which aremovable between a first state wherein the cooperating portions aredisengaged from each other allowing the output shaft to reciprocate, anda second state wherein the cooperating portions are engaged with eachother causing the output shaft to rotate. A wobble driver is mounted tothe output shaft with the wobble driver having a first mode wherein thewobble driver is in driving relation to the output shaft and is capableof reciprocating with the output shaft along the first longitudinalaxis, and a second mode when the wobble driver is in non-drivingrelation to the output shaft. An actuator cooperates with the wobbledriver and one of the transmission system cooperating portions. Theactuator is selectively movable between a first position wherein thetransmission cooperating portions are in their first disengaged stateand the wobble driver is in its first driving mode relative to theoutput shaft with the wobble driver reciprocating with the output shaftalong the first longitudinal axis to reciprocate the working element,and a second position wherein the transmission system cooperatingportions are in their engaged state and the wobble driver is in itssecond non-driving mode relative to the output shaft with the outputshaft rotating to rotate the working element.

[0012] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,625, issued Dec. 30, 1997 to Siman,indicates a multipurpose motorized cordless scrub cleaning machine thatis intended to reduce the effort in scrub cleaning jobs around the houseor the work places for general cleaning by the usage of rotating pads orbrushes. Water and detergent are conveniently supplied into the pads toclean dishes and perform scrub rinsing, too. It could also performpolishing and sanding jobs depending on the setting used in eachfunction, and it could also carry an egg beater accessory.

[0013] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,955, issued Jul. 21, 1998 toHendricks, puts forth a motorized multiple brush assembly including ahandle having a top circular face, a bottom circular face, and aperiphery formed therebetween, wherein the handle has a rotating rodconcentrically situated along the length thereof with ends protrudingtherefrom. Further provided is a plurality of attachments adapted to bereleasably coupled to the rotating rod. The attachments include a sawattachment with a disk-shaped rigid saw concentrically coupled thereto,a first brush attachment with a brush having a triangular configurationconcentrically coupled thereto, a second brush attachment with the brushhaving a generally cylindrical configuration concentrically coupledthereto, and a third brush attachment with the brush having a discshaped configuration concentrically coupled thereto. Finally, a controlsystem is situated within the handle and powered by a battery. In use,the control system is adapted to actuate the rotating rod of the handlein a first direction upon the depression of an actuator buttonpositioned on the handle.

[0014] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,588, issued Feb. 6, 1979 to Sandt,concerns a portable rechargeable battery operated handheld cleaningdevice that is adapted to receive various cleaning implements, such aswire brushes, abrasive wheels, and the like into one of the dualinternally housed transverse cleaning implement receiving tongues. Eachtongue, used singly at the option of the user, has a reciprocatingmotion limited to one hundred eighty degrees. Terminals are provided forrecharging the batteries included in the waterproof fully immersiblehousing. A charging device, operating from household voltage, providesthe requisite battery charging current when the handheld cleaning deviceis connected to it. The charging device is energized by the householdcurrent only when the handheld cleaning device is inserted into it, soas to close a charging enabling switch internally mounted within thecharging device.

[0015] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,481, issued Jun. 22, 1982 toSlayman, illustrates a battery operated, rotary powered washing andpolishing wand that has an elongated rigid tubular shaft and a coaxialflexible drive shaft which permits the incorporation of a bend in theshaft and the swiveling of a disc mounted at the bent end of said shaft.Fluid can be supplied through the interior of said shaft to the disc fordischarge therefrom along with aspirated additives such as soap.

[0016] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,447, issued Apr. 23, 2002 toArmbruster, is for a hand manipulated cordless rechargeable poweredwashing system that is powered by an electric motor and a rechargeablebattery. The washing system includes an apparatus that is lightweight,self-contained and submersible. The motor is high speed and has dualplanetary reduction gears set to reduce the output to a low rpm hightorque drive. The DC motor is powered by a rechargeable stick battery onthe housing or on a handle attached to the housing. Interchangeablebrushes can be used with different bristle arrangements. The handle isan elongated wand type handle having a U-shaped yoke at one endpivotally connected to the motor housing and includes a lock mechanismengaging a portion of the motor housing to lock the motor housing inrigid predetermined angular relation to the longitudinal axis of thewand type handle to enable a non-concentric, non-perpendicular bristlebrush to be rigidly associated in a desired angular relation to thehandle.

[0017] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,542, issued May 9, 2000 to Lo,provides a portable electric cleaning device for cleaning varioushousehold items. The cleaning device comprises a housing, a motor, acleaning module, and a battery set. The housing has a handle and achassis. The motor is installed in the chassis of the housing andcomprises a rotating axle. The cleaning module has a cleaning head forcleaning various home appliance and home environment, and a connectingend installed on the rotating axle. The battery set is installed in thehousing for driving the motor so as to rotate the cleaning module.

[0018] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,002, issued Jan. 29, 2002 to Wang,shows an improved structure of a wax-polishing machine, which mainlycomprises a fixed disk mounted on the front end of the body portion ofthe polishing machine. The disk surface of the fixed disk is mountedwith a bearing, of which the inner edge is in contact with the outersurface of an inner driven gear; between the inner driven gear and thetransmission shaft of the polishing machine, there are an idle gear anda driving gear mounted therein. The outer edge surface of the innerdriven gear is in close contact with an outer rotation disk; the centerof the outer rotation disk has a cylindrical hole for receiving a postbody of the inner rotation disk, and then the post body can be screwedon the outer end of the transmission shaft; the inner surface of theinner rotation disk and the outer surface of the outer rotation disk areglued with Velcro pads respectively so as to facilitate sponge pieceswith Velcro pads to be fastened together; when the transmission shaft ofthe polishing machine is actuated, the driving gear will drive the idlegear and the inner driven gear to transfer power to the inner and outerrotation disks, which will drive the polishing sponge pieces to turn indifferent direction so as to remove the wax coated on a car body and topolish the same simultaneously.

[0019] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 2,597,971, issued May 27, 1952 toBurnham, claims a rotary buffing and polishing machine. This inventionprovides a novel and improved polishing cloth support head that hasimproved means of lockably securing a polishing or buffing cloth.

[0020] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. D260,847, issued Sep. 22, 1981 toBiederman, describes the ornamental design for a pneumatic orbitalpolisher.

[0021] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. D286,706, issued Nov. 18, 1986 toMcCloskey, discloses the ornamental design for a cordless shoe polisher.

[0022] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. D313,094, issued Dec. 18, 1990 to Itaya,indicates the ornamental design for an automobile cleaning and waxingtool.

[0023] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. D380,069, issued Jun. 17, 1997 toMcCracken, puts forth the ornamental design for a detailing polisher.

[0024] Prior art U.S. Pat. No. D417,789, issued Dec. 21, 1999 to Murphy,concerns the ornamental design for a hand held scrubbing device.

[0025] What is needed is a cordless orbital wax applicator/buffer with abuilt-in rechargeable battery pack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An object of the present invention is to provide a cordless waxapplicator/buffer especially useful for applications away from buildingsand large jobs such as buffing a vehicle where the cord might not alwaysreach, even with an extension cord.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide an orbital,eccentrically moving buffer that does not leave undesirable arcuate-typemarks on the buffed surface as do rotary buffers.

[0028] One more object of the present invention is to provide a cordlessorbital wax applicator/buffer with a built-in rechargeable battery pack.

[0029] An additional object of the present invention is to provide acordless orbital wax applicator/buffer that is far easier to use,because it eliminates the problem of having the cord in the way and alsoeliminates the problem of the cord messing up the polishing job,especially if the cord has been in the dirt or mud.

[0030] A further object of the present invention is to provide acordless orbital wax applicator/buffer with a rim means that extendsoutwardly from the casing for gripping the cordless waxapplicator/buffer to operate it, thereby allowing the user to grip thewax applicator/buffer from any angle.

[0031] In brief, a cordless wax applicator/buffer that comprises anelectric orbital buffer, which has a rotatable, eccentrically movinghead for applying wax to and buffing external surfaces and a casing thathouses an electric motor for turning the rotatable head. The cordlesswax applicator/buffer also comprises a battery compartment on the top ofthe casing for housing for a rechargeable battery source of power. A rimmeans extends outwardly from the casing for gripping the cordless waxapplicator/buffer to operate it and comprises a rounded finger engagingouter edge and a recessed palm receiving inner portion. The cordless waxapplicator/buffer further comprises a plug receptacle for receiving aplug means connectable to an electric power source for recharging therechargeable battery.

[0032] An advantage of the present invention is in being able to workaway from a plug in power source.

[0033] Another advantage of the present invention is not tripping overelectrical power cords.

[0034] An additional advantage of the present invention is in not havingto manage electrical power cords.

[0035] One more advantage of the present invention is in beingrechargeable.

[0036] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it doesnot leave arcuate-type marks.

[0037] Still another advantage of the present invention is that itprovides a 360-degree gripping surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other details of my invention will be described inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only byway of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in whichdrawings:

[0039]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cordless wax applicator/bufferof the present invention showing the battery housing at the top;

[0040]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cordless waxapplicator/buffer of FIG. 1 showing the battery housing at the top

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a cordless wax applicator/buffer 20 is providedthat comprises an orbital electric wax applicator/buffer 20 that has arotatable, eccentrically moving head 27 for applying a layer of wax 30onto external surfaces and buffing the external surfaces and a casing 28housing an electric motor (not shown) for turning the rotatable head 27.The cordless wax applicator/buffer 20 also comprises a batterycompartment 21 on the casing 28 for housing and a battery source ofpower, which is connected by an electricity conducting means to theelectric motor for powering the electric motor (not shown). The batterysource of power comprises at least one rechargeable battery (not shown).The casing 28 further comprises a removable cover 22 (as shown inFIG. 1) over an opening in the casing 28 for accessing the at least onerechargeable battery. The cordless wax applicator/buffer 20 furthercomprises a plug receptacle 23 (as shown in FIG. 1) for receiving a plugmeans connectable to an electric power source for recharging the atleast one rechargeable battery.

[0042] The cordless wax applicator/buffer 20 also comprises a rim means24 extending outwardly from the casing 28 for gripping the cordless waxapplicator/buffer 20 to operate it. The rim means 24 comprises a roundedfinger engaging outer edge 25 and a recessed palm receiving innerportion 26 for bearing down on the wax applicator/buffer.

[0043] In practice, a user would charge the orbital cordless waxapplicator/buffer 20 by opening the removable cover 22 on the batterycompartment 21 and placing at least one rechargeable battery (not shown)into the battery compartment 21, then hooking the cordless waxapplicator/buffer 20 to a power source by means of the plug receptacle23. When charging is completed the user would unplug the cordless waxapplicator/buffer 20 by removing the power source means from the plugreceptacle 23. The user would then put a layer of wax 30 on the head 27and grasp the rim means 24, which extends outwardly from the casing 28for gripping. Good hand placement would be obtained by placing thefingers on the rounded finger engaging outer edge 25 and placing thepalm of the hand on the recessed palm receiving inner portion 26. Theuser would then activate the cordless wax applicator/buffer 20 byturning on the power switch. The rotatable moving head 27 moves in aneccentrically orbital fashion applying the wax and buffing the waxedsurface, upon activation the cordless wax applicator/buffer 20. When theperformance level of the cordless wax applicator/buffer 20 drops, theuser would need to recharge the device 20 again.

[0044] It is understood that the preceding description is given merelyby way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and thatvarious modifications may be made thereto without departing from thespirit of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cordless wax applicator/buffer comprising: anelectric wax applicator/buffer having a rotatable head for applying waxto external surfaces and buffing the external surfaces and a casinghousing an electric motor for turning the rotatable head; a batterycompartment on the top of the casing housing a battery source of powerconnected by an electricity conducting means to the electric motor forpowering the electric motor; a rim means extending outwardly from thecasing for gripping the cordless wax applicator/buffer to operate it. 2.The cordless wax applicator/buffer of claim 1 wherein the battery sourceof power comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
 3. The cordlesswax applicator/buffer of claim 2 wherein the casing further comprises aremovable cover over an opening in the casing for accessing the at leastone rechargeable battery.
 4. The cordless wax applicator/buffer of claim2 further comprising a plug receptacle for receiving a plug meansconnectable to an electric power source for recharging the at least onerechargeable battery.
 5. The cordless wax applicator/buffer of claim 1wherein a cordless wax applicator/buffer portion comprises an orbitalwax applicator/buffer having a head, which rotates eccentrically.
 6. Thecordless wax applicator/buffer of claim 1 wherein the rim meanscomprises a rounded finger engaging outer edge and a recessed palmreceiving inner portion.